A/69/ PV.79 General Assembly Official Records asdf Sixty-ninth session 79th plenary meeting Monday, 2 February 2015, 10 a.m. New York

President: Mr. Kutesa ...... (Uganda) In the absence of the President, Mr. Antoine “It is with profound respect and regret that I (Grenada), Vice-President, took the Chair. pay tribute to King Abdullah, who passed away earlier this month. The King leaves behind an The meeting was called to order at 10.15 a.m. important legacy through his major contributions to the development of the Kingdom and the Tribute to the memory of King Abdullah Bin Arab region and, indeed, the entire world. King Abdulaziz Al-Saud of , late Custodian Abdullah’s leadership and vision at home led to of the Two Holy Mosques key advancements in many important areas. His efforts helped to ensure that his nation enjoyed The Acting President: Before we proceed to the strong international engagement and partnerships. items on our agenda, it is my sad duty to pay tribute Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia also became to the memory of the late Custodian of the Two Holy an important contributor to humanitarian issues, Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of helping to improve the lives of people around the Saudi Arabia, who passed away on Friday, 23 January world. The King’s efforts to promote dialogue, 2015. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like harmony and peace will long be remembered. In to request the representative of Saudi Arabia to convey particular, he took bold steps to advance the Arab our condolences to the Government and the people Peace Initiative in the search for lasting peace in of Saudi Arabia and to the bereaved family of King the region. Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. “In conclusion, I would like to extend my I now invite the representatives to stand and sincere condolences to the bereaved family, the observe a moment of silence in tribute to the memory Government and the people of Saudi Arabia. May of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. God grant King Abdullah’s soul peace.” The members of the General Assembly observed a I now give the floor to His Excellency Secretary- minute of silence. General Ban Ki-moon. The Acting President: I shall now deliver a The Secretary-General: I wish to thank the statement on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Sam Kutesa, General Assembly for organizing this ceremony. I am President of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth honoured to join all those present in paying tribute to session, on the passing away of the King of Saudi the life and legacy of the late Custodian of the Two Arabia, His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Al-Saud, late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. King Abdullah was a wise and compassionate leader who guided Saudi Arabia’s development,

This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506 ([email protected]). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org). 15-02818 (E) *1502818* A/69/PV.79 02/02/2015 worked to resolve peace and security challenges and the decision to convene this special meeting of the address counter-, and devoted his energies General Assembly dedicated to paying tribute to the to seeking reconciliation and understanding among late King Abdullah. It is a very significant gesture to people of different cultures through inter-faith dialogue recognize the engagement of this leader of wisdom in initiatives. I am especially grateful for his stalwart international peace and security. support for the United Nations and the least fortunate The African Group would like to convey its among us. He was a champion against global hunger. In condolences to the Government and the people of Saudi 2008, during the crisis over high food prices, he arranged Arabia for their great loss, which is also a loss for the for the World Food Programme (WFP) to receive international community as a whole, including our $500 million — the largest single donation that the continent, Africa. WFP has ever received. More recently, King Abdullah generously supported humanitarian assistance efforts Yes, it is a loss for us all if we take into account in and , where millions of people are in dire the wise guidance and contributions of the late need. He also undertook initiatives to promote dialogue King to international peace and security as well among the world’s faiths. In 2008, he became the first as to international cooperation. Indeed, under his King of Saudi Arabia to address the United Nations reign, Africa benefited from many projects aimed at at an important two-day bridge-building gathering of socioeconomic development and cooperation in many world leaders. fields. Very recently, King Abdullah pledged $35 million to fight Ebola on the African continent — Ebola had I met him on several occasions, most recently last been declared by the Security Council as a threat to July in . At that time, we focused primarily on peace and security. resolving the conflict and reviving the , for which he was the driving In his capacity as the Custodian of the Two Holy force. But our conversation also ranged more widely. He Mosques, the late King spared no effort to aid pilgrims told me of his belief in the fraternity and brotherhood from all over the world, including those from our among human beings. He stressed that tensions between continent, to accomplish their rituals in perfect and cultures and faiths are not a function of religion but respectful conditions. of politicians who exploit division. At the end of the The late King also shared the idea of holding a meeting, I thanked him for his leadership. I told him dialogue among civilizations to prevent any extreme I was energized by his compassion. He simply replied views that might cause tensions among civilizations. that he did not seek recognition or gratitude. Instead, Hence, his contributions to bridging the gap between he said, “What I do I feel is incumbent on any human cultures and narrowing tensions in what are referred being”. This message of humility and grace were his to as clashes of civilizations were realized by the last words to me, and the ones by which I will remember establishment in Vienna in 2011 of the International him most. Centre of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International King Abdullah lived through much turmoil and Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. change. His efforts made an impact throughout the Arab Nowadays, we witness the spillover of violent and Islamic worlds and the international community. extremism and terrorism. Since his enthronement, he I offer my condolences to the bereaved royal family managed first to fight the local version of Al-Qaida, and to the people of Saudi Arabia. I look forward to which perpetrated acts of terrorism in Saudi Arabia, and personally conveying my sympathy and support when I by 2006 he had managed to rid the country of the scourge visit Saudi Arabia, which I hope to do very soon. of terrorism. He also embarked on a fight against it at The Acting President: I now give the floor to the the international level. In 2014, he spearheaded Saudi representative of Morocco, who will speak on behalf of Arabia’s contribution of $100 million to establish the the Group of African States. United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. The African States are in dire need of being able to benefit from Mr. Laassel (Morocco): I have the honour to the Centre’s programmes on capacity-building to fight speak on behalf of the Group of African States on this terrorism and terrorist groups such as o Haram. very sad occasion for all of us on the passing away, on 23 January 2015, of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz As to the question of , to which the Al-Saud. The African Group would like to commend African States are eager to find a solution, the late

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King spared no effort to seek a breakthrough to the development. It is also our conviction that the Kingdom Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of two States, of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman taking into account the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, will continue to contribute in at the 2007 Summit. to our collective efforts for peace, security and development the world over. The Acting President: I now give the floor to the representative of Viet Nam, who will speak on behalf of At this solemn moment, I would like to once again the Group of Asia-Pacific States. reiterate our commitment to cooperation with the Government and the people of Saudi Arabia in our joint Mrs. Nguyen (Viet Nam): I have the honour to endeavours for a better world. speak on behalf of the Group of Asia-Pacific States at this solemn gathering of the General Assembly to The Acting President: I now give the floor to the pay tribute to the memory of the late Custodian of the representative of Hungary, who will speak on behalf of Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah Bin the Group of Eastern European States. Abdulaziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ms. Bogyay (Hungary): I have the honour to speak I would like to begin by expressing our sincere on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States. thanks to the President of the General Assembly for The Eastern European Group would like to express convening this meeting of the General Assembly. On its deepest condolences to the Government and the behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group, I would like to extend people of Saudi Arabia on the sad occasion of the our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of King passing away, on 23 January, of the Custodian of the Abdullah and to the Government and the people of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a fellow member of the Asia- Abdulaziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pacific Group. King Abdullah led a long and distinguished life to The passing away of King Abdullah is a great loss the benefit of his country, advancing its modernization to the royal family, the Government and the people of and economic development. His Majesty was an Saudi Arabia. The world has lost an outstanding leader. important figure in international and regional affairs, Under his leadership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including through his support for interreligious and registered remarkable advantages and brought greater intercultural dialogue. He played a crucial role in the prosperity to its people. The international community region in fighting extremism and supporting peace and will remember King Abdullah’s attention and stability, including through the Arab Peace Initiative. contribution to the furthering of diplomatic initiatives On this sad occasion, the Eastern European Group for the settlement of regional and international issues, offers its sincere sympathies to the royal family and to especially in the Middle East. As the Secretary-General the Government and the people of Saudi Arabia. has stated, King Abdullah served as a driving force behind the Arab Peace Initiative and has left a tangible The Acting President: I now give the floor to the legacy that can point the way towards peace in the representative of Haiti, who will speak on behalf of the Middle East. Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. The United Nations community will also remember Mr. Régis (Haiti) (spoke in French): It is a great King Abdullah for Saudi Arabia’s contribution, under honour for me to speak on behalf of the Group of Latin his leadership, to the work of the United Nations as well American and Caribbean States in expressing our as its main organs, specialized agencies and bodies, heartfelt sadness at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s especially in the fields of development, cooperation and plunge into mourning with its loss of King Abdullah humanitarian assistance. That important contribution Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. In this time of sorrow, the Latin has significantly promoted the role of the United American and Caribbean Group joins the community Nations in maintaining international peace and security of the States Members of the United Nations in offering and promoting development. its sincere condolences to the noble Saudi people and their Government. Given his significant legacy and our strong memories of his leadership, we are convinced that the Heir to an illustrious line of monarchs whose royal family, the Government and the people of Saudi history is one with that of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will make greater achievements in national Arabia itself, King Abdullah was one of its most

15-02818 3/15 A/69/PV.79 02/02/2015 remarkable figures. We can look back admiringly on solidarity that is so dear to the heart of the United the road travelled under his enlightened leadership Nations — that is indeed its raison d’être. by Saudi Arabia, a country ranked among the world’s His passing is therefore a loss not only for the 20 largest economies. King Abdullah was a reformer Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world but who was able to undertake his kingdom’s adaptation to for our entire planet, which has lost in him a great the demands of our times, directing its evolution with leader whose nobility, bravery and generosity were the determination and moderation that everyone saw in universally valued, and a fervent believer in dialogue him. He helped to give new impetus to the country’s among civilizations, aware of all of our peoples’ shared economic and political modernization, making Saudi destiny and a powerful contributor to the cause of Arabia a respected State and a model of stability in a international peace and solidarity. conflict-torn region, taking a leading role through its exercise of a moderating influence that was essential, The Acting President: I now give the floor to the indeed indispensable, not merely in the Arab-Persian representative of Austria, who will speak on behalf of Gulf region and the Middle East but on the global chess the Group of Western European and Other States. board as well. Mr. Riecken (Austria): I have the honour to speak King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the today on behalf of the Group of Western European and Custodian of ’s holy places, was a universally Other States. We are deeply saddened by the passing of respected personality, a repository of the kind of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah knowledge that derives from the great universal values Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, King and Prime Minister of that unite all religions, beliefs and cultures and that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We offer our sincere enable all men to see themselves as part of humankind. condolences to the Saudi royal family and the people His historic visit to the Vatican, a demonstration of his of Saudi Arabia. faith in interreligious dialogue, remains etched in our King Abdullah was a man of great vision and memory. leadership who made a major contribution to the King Abdullah was also an apostle of peace. No advancement of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was one can be unaware of the moderating influence he a key architect of his country’s economic and political deployed to help ease tensions and foster dialogue in a progress. Among his many achievements he oversaw region deeply scarred by every kind of conflict. One of the transformation of the Kingdom’s economy, presided his most noble ambitions was to work for peace in the over its first municipal elections and supported an Middle East so as to move beyond the sectarian clashes, expanded role for the consultative Shura Council divisions and tragedies of the twentieth century. Who that included the appointment of women. Under his can have forgotten the admirable courage he showed in guidance, the country achieved remarkable growth presenting his call for world peace together with , and prosperity for its people. He also placed a major an initiative that will forever be associated with his emphasis on education, particularly as patron of the name? (see A/63/PV.46) The peoples of the world will visionary King Abdullah scholarship programme. We be eternally grateful to him for firmly making it clear in the Western European and Other States Group have that only a negotiated political settlement that includes been fortunate enough to host many of the recipients all stakeholders and has the support and assurances of the programme at education institutions in our of the international community can lead to a lasting countries. solution in the Middle East. King Abdullah was committed to a fair and lasting There can be no question of King Abdullah’s peace in the Middle East, including through the Arab contribution to increasing his country’s reach and Peace Initiative, as well as to countering violent making Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam, a beacon in extremism. His substantial contribution to the United the Gulf. He was also the standard bearer for a great Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre here in New York ambition for which the international community will be will form part of his legacy. We also pay tribute to forever grateful, that aspiration to build a better world his generous humanitarian and development support that supports those things that unite humankind rather to those in need, and to his promotion of international than those that divide them. Through that he rendered interfaith dialogue. great service to the cause of peace and universal

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Our thoughts are with His Majesty King Salman Obama, it is “an endeavour that will outlive him as an Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud as he takes the throne and enduring contribution to the search for peace in the builds on King Abdullah’s many achievements. King region.” Abdullah’s leadership throughout the Arab and Islamic King Abdullah’s efforts to promote and expand worlds and the international community will not be interfaith dialogue will constitute a lasting legacy that forgotten. we must all deepen. His humanitarian contributions, The Acting President: I now give the floor to the including the $500 million donation to address the representative of the , who will speak on humanitarian catastrophes in Iraq and Syria, are behalf of the host country. helping keep people fed this very cruel winter. As Secretary Kerry said last week and we repeat today, Ms. Power (United States of America): On behalf the United States has lost a friend, and the Kingdom of of the United States as host country for the United Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and the world have lost Nations, I wish to offer our condolences to the people a revered leader. and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the loss of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The Acting President: I now give the floor to the representative of , who will speak on behalf of There is an proverb that says, “A tree begins the Group of Arab States. with a seed”. King Abdullah planted many seeds for Saudi Arabia’s future, perhaps none so much as in the Mrs. Kawar (Jordan) (spoke in Arabic): Today we education of his people. Shortly after ascending to the lament the passing of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz throne in 2005, he created an ambitious scholarship Al-Saud, a wise leader and king who devoted his life to programme to educate Saudi students abroad. Today the service of his nation and country. He defended the more than 87,000 Saudi students are currently studying causes of the Arab and Islamic nations and humankind in the United States, with another 33,000 in other with true authenticity. countries around the globe. Nearly half of the Saudi The death of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud students currently participating in the programme is a great loss, for this was a man whose achievement in the United States are female. Those scholarship was deeply woven into the body of the Arab world. students have not only been ambassadors for Saudi His values were noble and courageous, and we will Arabia around the world; on returning home they are remember his legacy and his support for united Arab ambassadors for the world in Saudi Arabia. The seeds action in strengthening its pillars and his defence of the planted in the students and their experience will grow Arab cause in the most difficult circumstances. His role in them and spread to their families and communities was not limited to the Arab countries but went beyond for the rest of their lives. On hearing of the King’s them to encompass Islamic and world issues. Today passing, Mohammed Hakeem, a Saudi doctoral student we are remembering the very visible legacy he left, as in Canada, tweeted, “I am [a] scholar. I am the son of will generations to come, so that his name and memory his dream….My heart is broken.” King Abdullah also will live forever in the constructive role he played and created both co-educational and all-female university the efforts he deployed for good causes wherever they and graduate degree programmes at schools in the might be. Kingdom, and in 2011 granted women the right to vote and run in municipal elections. Today, as we pay tribute to a leader of broad vision, we can touch on only some of his achievements, which During King Abdullah’s time on the throne, the are too numerous to list in full. Over the course of a United States and Saudi Arabia worked together to decade he led his country forward, stimulating its confront many challenges. King Abdullah prioritized development and making it a vital member of the world strengthening the United States-Saudi counter- community. He valued education greatly as a way of terrorism relationship, including fighting violent measuring a country’s progress, founding a number of extremist groups such as Al-Qaida and the Islamic State institutes and universities. He worked to promote the in Iraq and the Levant, and combating foreign fighters. Kingdom’s educational system, and in that regard we He was the author and proponent of the Arab Peace cannot fail to mention the role he played in development Initiative, a seminal document for building consensus all over the country and in various sectors, including on achieving a viable, just, two-State solution to the health, society and the economy. We also remember Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the words of President

15-02818 5/15 A/69/PV.79 02/02/2015 his efforts to improve women’s opportunities in Saudi hand or provide assistance when needed to millions of Arabia, believing firmly as he did in the importance people around the world stricken by natural disasters, of their role. He also worked to strengthen the role of epidemics or conflicts. In that way he underscored young people in Saudi society and on every front. his deep belief in the importance of international cooperation and partnership between all nations, and of King Abdullah spared no effort in defending the dialogue among all countries and peoples, regardless of causes of Islam and emphasizing Islam’s true, moderate their different cultures or beliefs. character, realizing how essential it was to confront the lies promoted by the violent extremist groups that wish As we convene here in the Hall of the General to destroy Islam’s image. He was a major supporter of Assembly, we recall with great appreciation the King’s dialogue and moderation, rejecting violence, extremism fruitful efforts and outstanding achievements in various and terrorism in any form. He worked to strengthen international fields, such as combating terrorism, many initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue among providing humanitarian assistance, promoting peace civilizations and religions and establishing harmonious and supporting interfaith and intercultural dialogue. In relations with others. His work on advancing the that context, there can be no doubt about the efforts concept of coexistence and calling for peace, love and of the late King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz to convene stability and for a settlement of crises through dialogue, and ensure the success of the high-level meeting of the while strengthening cooperation among the peoples of General Assembly held in November 2008 at its sixty- the world, was an example for others working on those third session (see A/63/PV.46), as well as the Saudi initiatives to follow. initiative to establish the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural We are comforted today by the thought that the man Dialogue, which truly reflects his firm belief in the following in the footsteps of the deceased is the new importance of partnership and cooperation among all Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin peoples and cultures, and of strengthening ways to Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and we also wish Crown Prince improve rapprochement and fraternity between them. Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud every success, good The great contributions of the late King Abdullah health and long life so that they can continue on the in bringing prosperity and advancement to the path begun by founding King Abdulaziz. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and all the achievements and successes of his reign, did not distract him from In conclusion, we hope the Kingdom of Saudi lending a helping hand to millions of people all over the Arabia will continue to see peace, stability and progress world. The Muslim world will always remember with increase under the reign of the Custodian of the Two pride his historic expansion of the two Holy Mosques Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. and all the very apparent efforts that Saudi Arabia The Acting President: I now give the floor to the made to enable all Muslims to take advantage of the representative of Kuwait, who will speak on behalf of right of pilgrimage and umrah. His loss is indeed great, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. for this was a man who dedicated his life to achieving the well-being and glory of his people, and who worked Mr. Alotaibi (Kuwait): I am honoured to speak honestly and tirelessly to defend the cause of Muslim here today on behalf of the Organization of Islamic nations, promoting an Islamic society in which love, Cooperation. I would first like to express our sincere cooperation, tolerance and fraternity prevail. thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the President of the General Assembly for organizing this meeting The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while to enable us to express our deep sorrow and convey mourning the loss of a great leader, who for as long our sincere condolences to the royal family and the as he lived carried in his big heart his concern for the Government and the people of Saudi Arabia for the Muslim world, can only pray to the Almighty to bestow loss to the Islamic umma of the Custodian of the Two his grace on his soul and have mercy on him, and to Holy Mosques, the late King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz reward him for all his good deeds. We are certain that Al-Saud. his successor, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, will continue The international community as a whole, and the ably and wisely to lead the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Muslim world in particular, has lost an exceptional and on its march along the road to growth, prosperity and admirable leader who never hesitated to lend a helping

6/15 15-02818 02/02/2015 A/69/PV.79 the welfare of its people, and will add to the Kingdom’s the high-level meeting on interfaith dialogue held on pivotal role in fostering international cooperation, 12 November 2008 here in New York during the General strengthening partnerships and ensuring international Assembly’s sixty-third session (see A/63/PV.46). At peace and security. that meeting, the late King proposed the creation of a world institute for peace and human dialogue, based The Acting President: I now give the floor to the at the United Nations, and today we see the results representative of Qatar, who will speak on behalf of the of that action in the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Gulf Cooperation Council. International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Ms. Al-Thani (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): I have the Dialogue, which plays an important role in that regard. pleasure of speaking on behalf of the States members On the humanitarian front, the late King played a major of the Gulf Cooperation Council — the Kingdom of role, received favourably by regional and international Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, organizations. His support was not confined to one the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab group or one category, but encompassed all who needed Emirates and my own country, the State of Qatar. As help around the world. Chair of this year’s session of the Council, Qatar would Well aware of the importance of peace and stability like to thank the President of the General Assembly in the Middle East, the late King proposed the Arab for convening this meeting enabling us to pay tribute Peace Initiative between our countries and Israel, to a great leader, to whom the entire world is grateful adopted at a summit in Beirut in 2002. That Initiative for his achievements in various areas of life, and is one of the principal reference points in the efforts to particularly on behalf of causes of great importance to reach a just, lasting peace based on a two-State solution. the international community. In that regard, on behalf Based on his broad vision, the late King also launched of the Gulf Cooperation Council, I would like to thank an initiative to combat terrorism around the world at the the geographic Groups and the States Members of the Counter-Terrorism International Conference, held in United Nations for participating in this meeting and in 2005. During the Conference he announced expressing their condolences. the creation of an initiative establishing a counter- The Arab and Muslim worlds, especially the terrorism centre, which has indeed been created within countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, have lost a the United Nations and continues his work in supporting great leader and an eminent personality of those worlds, international efforts to combat terrorism. the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King King Abdullah was a wise man, a leader, a human Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of being who worked tirelessly in the service of his nation Saudi Arabia, our brother country. Owing to our close and country. During his reign, he showed devotion to relations as brother countries in the Gulf community, his country and his nation, creating a humane society. united in the Gulf Cooperation Council, and conscious His achievements in terms of bringing about prosperity of the late King’s achievements, we feel deep sorrow at led the country to welcome millions of Muslims who his passing. We cannot find the words to express what came for the — the annual pilgrimage to . we feel. But our faith in God allows us to believe that He worked to expand the space around the Two Holy the legacy of the late King can strengthen the rights of Mosques, for which we are grateful. all. The world will never forget his achievements and will always remember him. In conclusion, when we recall the great achievements of the late King at the national, regional and international The Gulf community has lost a historic and eminent levels, we trust that the present Custodian of the Two personality who contributed greatly to cooperation and Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, to the promotion of the role of the Gulf Cooperation is the best successor to the most eminent predecessor. Council at the regional and international levels. The We are sure that he will continue the wise path of world has lost a wise man who believed firmly in cooperation with the international community to the importance of international cooperation and the respond to the challenges that arise and achieve a world necessity of making every effort to achieve cooperation where peace and stability and growth will prevail. among peoples, whatever their religious or cultural background, so as to defuse crises and work for peace That is a comfort to us in our hour of loss. May God in the world. He played a major role in organizing take the soul of the late King to Him. We pray for him.

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The Acting President: I now give the floor to the the hand of Saudi Arabia to all nations of the world in representative of Saudi Arabia. love, friendship, peace and harmony. Mr. Al-Mouallimi (Saudi Arabia) (spoke in I thank my dear brothers and colleagues. I thank Arabic): On 23 January, the Custodian of the Two Holy the leaders and the peoples of their countries. We Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of thank God who has blessed us with the life of our Saudi Arabia, departed our world. With his departure, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. We thank God the world has lost a life-long shining star and a who has blessed us with this honourable remembrance remarkable, prominent leader. The departed was among following his departure. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, the noblest of men, the most courageous and, indeed, we belong to God and to Him we shall return. the most generous. He was a statesman whose deeds touched the hearts of men and women throughout the Tribute to the memory of His Excellency world. Mr. Mårten Grunditz, late Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations King Abdullah’s heart was moved by the hungry and the needy. He was a pioneer in giving aid to the The Acting President: It also my sad duty to World Food Programme. He provided assistance to pay tribute to the memory of the late Permanent the victims of floods, natural disasters and epidemic Representative of Sweden to the United Nations, His diseases on all continents of our world. Excellency Mr. Mårten Grunditz, who passed away on Tuesday, 27 January. On behalf of the General King Abdullah’s heart overflowed with feelings Assembly, I would like to request the representative of of love, peace, mutual understanding and the need for Sweden to convey our condolences to the Government communication among all peoples of the Earth. He and the people of Sweden and to the bereaved family of launched his initiative for dialogue among the faithful Ambassador Mårten Grunditz. of various religions and all cultures from this very rostrum. He was always an advocate of the Charter of I now invite representatives to stand and observe a the United Nations and its principles. He always called minute of silence in tribute to his memory. for peace and harmony in our world. The members of the General Assembly observed a In the past few days, Riyadh has received a large minute of silence. number of leaders of the States Members of the United The Acting President: I would like to deliver a Nations who went to share our grief and offer their statement on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Sam Kutesa, kind condolences to the family of the departed. Today, President of the General Assembly, on the passing the General Assembly has convened to bestow upon of His Excellency Mr. Mårten Grunditz, Permanent me its sincere feelings and sentiments. If the death of Representative of Sweden to the United Nations: King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud is a loss for the world, for humankind and for the United Nations as a “Today we pay tribute to Ambassador Grunditz, leader, the Saudi Arabian people and I personally have whose passing last week deeply saddened the lost a kind, warm-hearted and friendly father whose United Nations community. I had the privilege of last words, in bidding farewell to his people were, “Do interacting and working with Ambassador Grunditz not forget me in your good prayers.” over the last several months. I know I speak for many of us when I say he will be greatly missed. We will not forget our good King. Here too are the witnesses of God’s creation of the universe from “The Ambassador’s work here at the United all continents mentioning the King’s good deeds and Nations spanned nearly five years and leaves actions. May God give him the best reward for what he behind an indelible legacy. Ambassador Grunditz did for humankind. had a genuine interest in many issues central to the Organization’s work, including development, Allow me to convey to the Assembly the greetings peacekeeping, humanitarian issues and human and appreciation of the Custodian of the Two Holy rights. Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who has assumed the mantle of leadership and who will “Ambassador Grunditz took a holistic view on faithfully continue our procession forward. He extends international affairs. He had a strong interest in

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broader peacebuilding issues and served as Chair Mr. Laassel (Morocco) (spoke in French): I am to of the Liberia configuration of the Peacebuilding take the floor on behalf of the Group of African States. Commission. He also believed strongly in the The African Group would like to extend its importance of strengthening cooperation between sincere condolences to the family and friends of His regional organizations and the United Nations. Excellency Ambassador Mårten Grunditz, Permanent “The Ambassador worked tirelessly on issues Representative of Sweden to the United Nations in New related to the rights of vulnerable persons, including York, as well as to the Swedish Government. We would those with disabilities and children. Just this past like to pay special tribute to a man who was known for November he helped organize a high-level meeting his kindness, devotion and generosity, which inspired commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of us all. the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Ambassador Grunditz was also known for his “In conclusion, I wish to convey my sincere enthusiasm, his self-restraint and his sincere commitment condolences to the bereaved family, the Government to the African continent, in particular on issues of and the people of Sweden. May his soul rest in peacebuilding. Mr. Grunditz served as Chair of the peace.” Liberian configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission and actively participated in the work of the Commission. I now give the floor to His Excellency Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon. The African Group is confident that the Permanent Mission of Sweden will get through this difficult period The Secretary-General: I thank the General and continue to pursue its work within the international Assembly for taking time this morning to pay our community. respects to His Excellency Ambassador Mårten Grunditz of Sweden. The Acting President: I now give the floor to the representative of Viet Nam, who will speak on behalf of Ambassador Grunditz had a distinguished diplomatic the Group of Asia-Pacific States. career, with postings in Moscow, Beijing, Washington, D.C., and other capitals. The geographical breadth Mrs. Nguyen Phuong Nga (Viet Nam): I have the of his assignments was matched by the depth of his honour to speak on behalf of the Group of Asia-Pacific commitment to international cooperation and the States at this solemn gathering of the General Assembly United Nations. to pay tribute to the memory of His Excellency Mr. Mårten Grunditz, late Permanent Representative of During the four and a half years that he served Sweden to the United Nations. as Sweden’s Permanent Representative here in New York, he was an active presence across our agenda. I It was with the deepest sadness that we learned of am especially grateful for his advocacy for the rights the passing away of Ambassador Grunditz. On behalf of persons with disabilities, his dedication to helping of the Asia-Pacific Group, I would like to express to consolidate peace in Liberia and his devotion to our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of carrying on the legacy of former Secretary-General Ambassador Grunditz and to the Permanent Mission of Dag Hammarskjöld. Sweden to the United Nations. He was known — and will be remembered — for Ambassador Grunditz, a dear colleague to many of his warmth, kindness, integrity and dignity. I thank us, was an outstanding and skilled diplomat who served the General Assembly for taking time this morning to his country in an efficient manner during his long and remember a good colleague, and I offer my condolences successful career. He served with great distinction in to Ambassador Grunditz’s his family, Ms. Åhs-Grunditz various capacities. We are grateful for the wealth of and their two children, and many friends, and to his experience that he brought to New York and shared colleagues in the Swedish Foreign Ministry and to all with us as the Permanent Representative of Sweden to others touched by this loss. the United Nations. The Acting President: I now give the floor to the During more than four years in New York, representative of Morocco, who will speak on behalf of Ambassador Grunditz strove tirelessly to contribute to the Group of African States. the work of the United Nations, including by serving as

15-02818 9/15 A/69/PV.79 02/02/2015 an active member of a number of bodies and offices of Organization, Ambassador Grunditz leaves us a strong the Organization. His contribution was wide-ranging, memory of a top official whose modesty was matched from development cooperation, to peace and security, only by his rich erudition, his great culture and his deep to the reform of the United Nations, and it is still so knowledge of the United Nations system, of which he vivid to all of us. He will be dearly missed by all of us. was, in his way, the embodiment and the expression. On this occasion, on behalf of our Group, I would Ambassador Grunditz was part of all the initiatives like to reiterate our commitment to continuing to work and the battles undertaken in the Organization to closely with the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of ensure the triumph of law and justice, specifically for Sweden in our joint efforts. women and children tragically affected by conflict situations, wherever in the world they occur. In that The Acting President: I now give the floor to the regard, Ambassador Grunditz was a great humanist, representative of Hungary, who will speak on behalf of following in the footsteps of other great intellectuals the Group of Eastern European States. and statesmen of his country who greatly influenced Ms. Bogyay (Hungary): On behalf of the Group our world to be more equal and just. He follows in the of Eastern European States, I would also like to offer footsteps of the second Secretary-General of the United condolences to the family and friends of His Excellency Nations, Dag Hammarskjöld, who passed away in 1961 Mr. Mårten Grunditz, as well as to the Swedish Mission while serving our great Organization, and Mr. Olaf to the United Nations, upon his passing on 27 January. Palme, the former Swedish Prime Minister, committed pacifist and dignified statesman, who died tragically in Ambassador Grunditz’s career spanned more Stockholm in 1990. than 40 years. He served his country in a number of important assignments. Mårten was a very professional The Group of Latin American and Caribbean and knowledgeable colleague. His gentle and kind States expresses its greatest sympathy to all of those presence and professional legacy will be sorely missed who are grieving, and particularly to the spouse of and remembered by all of us. Mårten Grunditz, Maine, to his children, Jenny and Henrik, to his family, to his friends and to the staff of The Acting President: I now give the floor to the the Permanent Mission of Sweden in New York. The representative of Haiti, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States asks Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. the Mission to transmit its sorrowful condolences to the Mr. Régis (Haiti) (spoke in French): The Group Government and the people of Sweden on the death of of Latin American and Caribbean States learned with this great and distinguished statesman, whose memory shock and regret of the sudden death, on 27 January, will remain alive among us here in the United Nations. of our esteemed colleague, His Excellency Mr. Mårten May all of those here in New York and in Stockholm Grunditz, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the who are greatly affected by this sudden departure find United Nations in New York. This news had the effect in my words an expression of the heartfelt grief and of a cold shower on the entire diplomatic community, fraternal solidarity that we share with them at this and each of us has been deeply affected this sudden difficult hour. loss. The Acting President: I now give the floor to the Ambassador Grunditz, with his long and representative of Austria, who will speak on behalf of distinguished career, remains eminently linked to the the Group of Western European and Other States. Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, where he had a very successful career for over 40 years, working Mr. Riecken (Austria): I have the honour today to on behalf of his country in various cities and capitals speak on behalf of the States members of the Group of as diverse as Moscow, Beijing, Washington, D.C., Western European and Other States. Geneva, London and Athens, where he took on posts of We are deeply saddened by the passing of our increasing responsibility, before coming to New York in dear colleague and friend, His Excellency Mr. Mårten 2010 to lend his services as Permanent Representative Grunditz, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations. of Sweden to the United Nations here in New York. A distinguished and seasoned diplomat who acted We offer our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to with ease and spoke fluently in the six languages of the his family and to the staff of the Permanent Mission

10/15 15-02818 02/02/2015 A/69/PV.79 of Sweden. We join them in mourning his untimely early and ardently for the international community to passing. respond to the spreading Ebola outbreak. He was also determined to ensure that Liberia and its neighbours We have all lost not only a deeply respected and were built back better — so that what has befallen the excellent colleague but also a friend who greatly people of that region never happened again. inspired those who were fortunate enough to know him and work with him. Ambassador Grunditz was Among the first impressions many of us had upon an outstanding and highly professional diplomat who meeting Mårten was his sheer physical presence. He impressed us deeply with his sharp mind, elegance, towered above virtually all of us. But the Ambassador’s wisdom and thoughtfulness. personality and the way he treated people had the opposite effect: it made him accessible, it brought But he was not just brilliant and talented. He him close. And that was not only the case for fellow worked vigorously and with personal conviction to ambassadors, but for everyone he interacted with, from really advance the work of the United Nations. He was the most junior intern to the most senior adviser, as well a remarkable negotiator and an intelligent debater. Any as to people of all walks and ranks at United Nations discussion Ambassador Grunditz participated in was agencies and other missions. to sure to benefit from his wise contributions and the constructive role he would consistently play. A ranking diplomat on his staff who worked with Ambassador Grunditz for years observed that when As a remarkable representative of his country, he chaired meetings during his time at the head of Ambassador Grunditz had a significant and lasting the joint Executive Board he always made a point of impact on our joint efforts to promote development, thanking every secretary and member of the support gender equality and human rights and to prevent and staff who had helped organize the event. As this resolve conflicts. It is safe to say that he was widely diplomat described it, Mårten Grunditz had, “an ability admired for his commitment to achieving our common to recognize people”. global goals. Ambassador Grunditz also knew how to listen. In Our thoughts are with Ambassador Grunditz’s diplomatic settings, which can too often feel automated, family as we pay tribute to an inspiring person and his he would actually stop and pay attention to people’s outstanding work. He will be remembered as a truly opinions and arguments. He would engage people, ask remarkable diplomat and valued friend. We will truly questions, probe. He treated everybody as if he had miss him. something to learn from them. The Acting President: I now give the floor to the Those qualities not only made the Ambassador representative of the United States of America, who an exceptional human being, but also, of course, an will speak on behalf of the host country. exceptional diplomat. Knowing how to recognize Ms. Power (United States of America): Mårten people and how to listen to them defined the way he Grunditz’s career as a diplomat spanned more than interacted with individuals at his postings around the four decades. He was first posted as an attaché to the world, with people in the General Assembly Hall, at Swedish mission in Moscow in 1973, when it was still the negotiating table and in leadership positions at the part of the Soviet Union. He went on to serve in Beijing, United Nations. Washington, D.C., London, Geneva, Athens, and, of And those qualities also defined what the course, here in New York. He was a dexterous and deep Ambassador believed in. A person who sees people diplomat. as they are and knows how to hear them is a natural Here at the United Nations, Ambassador Grunditz humanitarian and a natural defender of human led the joint Executive Board of the United Nations rights — as Ambassador Grunditz certainly was, Development Programme, the United Nations Fund for believing to his core that no individual should be Population Activities and the United Nations Office treated differently because she is a woman, because of for Project Services, where he pressed for far-reaching whom he or she loves, because of how he or she prays reforms, such as the public disclosure of internal or because of where she is born. audits. He also chaired the Liberia configuration of the It is also those qualities that made Mårten such Peacebuilding Commission, sounding the alarm bell a wonderful mentor to his staff. The respect with

15-02818 11/15 A/69/PV.79 02/02/2015 which he treated people at the Swedish Mission and in this on the webcast. They have lost a loving husband, previous postings bred a deep loyalty and dedication father and grandfather. Words cannot describe the pain in those who served under him. It is why, when the and agony they are feeling. They meant the world to Swedish Mission put out a sign-up sheet for staffers Mårten. Although he sometimes tended to be a bit to stand by his condolence book and receive visitors, private, whenever he spoke about them — his beloved the sheet filled up immediately, and multiple staffers wife, his children and his lovely grandchildren — his showed up for each shift. It was their way of performing eyes always glimmered with joy and pride. a final service to a man who had taught them so much I can only hope that they feel the immense love and and to stand in his honour. respect that we, all his current and former colleagues I witnessed that dedication the day Mårten passed and friends at the Swedish Mission, felt for Mårten. away. After a meeting hosted by Swedish Foreign He was not only a distinguished, experienced and Minister Wallström, a young Swedish diplomat walked extremely skilful diplomat and ambassador, always me to the elevator. Her eyes filled up with tears and creative and constructive, seeking consensus while she said, “We cannot believe it. He was such a good standing firm on principles; he was also by his very man.” How right she was. And how shaped she will be, nature a truly inspiring leader, always attentive, always always, by the time that she got to watch him in action compassionate and always supportive to every member and learn from him. of his staff. He saw us, each and every one, inspired us and made us grow. We will remember Mårten’s calm Ambassador Mårten Grunditz gave nearly his entire demeanour, his friendly, generous personality, his great professional career to the Swedish Foreign Service. It sense of humour and his thoughtful and open-minded gave him back not only a chance to defend his values character. He will be deeply missed by all of us. and serve his nation, but also led him to his life partner, Maine, whom he met decades ago in the diplomatic Mårten Grunditz had a most distinguished career in corps and who is here with us today, along with one of the Swedish Foreign Service, which he joined in 1973. the Ambassador’s two children, Jenny. His early career took him to important posts, such as Beijing, Washington, D.C., Geneva and London. In As all of us in this line of work know, diplomacy 1998 he was appointed Deputy Director-General for is not a solo occupation. Our families serve with us; European Affairs, which also made him responsible they weather the excessive hours and the stresses, and for the first-ever Swedish presidency of the European they sustain us. As Ambassador Grunditz’s career Union (EU), in 2001. As would be expected, he did spanned decades, so did his family’s service alongside everything right. The presidency was a huge success and him. For that, we are so grateful to Maine, Jenny and led to a virtual boom in the EU’s popularity in Swedish of course to her son, Henrik, as well, and we hope society. In 2002 Mårten Grunditz was appointed that the immeasurable loss they must feel is softened Swedish Ambassador to Greece, a post he enjoyed so ever so slightly by seeing the tremendous contribution much that he stayed for almost seven years. In 2009, Mårten made to his country, to the United Nations, to however, it was time for Sweden’s second presidency the causes he believed in and to all of us, who learned of the . The Government once again so much from his towering example. wanted to rely on Ambassador Grunditz’s skill and The Acting President: I now give the floor to the experience, and appointed him Secretary-General for representative of Sweden. the organization of the Swedish presidency. Needless to say, the presidency was again deemed a great success. Mr. Thöresson (Sweden): Let me begin by thanking the President, the Secretary-General, the In 2010 Ambassador Grunditz was appointed representatives of all regional groups and, not least, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United of the host country, for their very heartfelt and warm Nations. That turned out to be a perfect match. words of condolence to Ambassador Grunditz’s family His passion and advocacy for a stronger United and to his colleagues at the Swedish Mission, who were Nations role in conflict resolution, peacebuilding all with us here this morning. and conflict prevention are well known. He was eagerly looking forward to taking over the Chair of I would like to start my words of remembrance by the Peacebuilding Commission this year. He was a turning to Ambassador Grunditz’s family, dear Maine, staunch defender of human rights and international Jenny and Henrik, who I am sure will be watching

12/15 15-02818 02/02/2015 A/69/PV.79 law. Ambassador Grunditz’s 2012 chairmanship of the Agenda item 112 (continued) Executive Board of the United Nations Development Elections to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and Programme, the United Nations Population Fund and other elections the United Nations Office for Project Services clearly illustrated his strong commitment to advancing the (d) Election of the United Nations High global development agenda. Until the very end, he Commissioner for Refugees always pushed for an even stronger Swedish role in the Note by the Secretary-General (A/69/721) United Nations, not least by working hard for a Swedish seat on the Security Council. The Acting President: By its decision 59/420, of 27 May 2005, the General Assembly, on the proposal On behalf of Mårten’s family, the Government of of the Secretary-General, elected Mr. António Sweden and all our colleagues at the Swedish Mission Manuel de Oliveira Guterres as United Nations High and in the residence, I would like to sincerely thank all Commissioner for Refugees for a period of five years those who have conveyed their warming and comforting beginning on 15 June 2005 and ending on 14 June 2010. words of condolence from all around the world, not least his many friends and colleagues present here in By its decision 64/419, of 22 April 2010, the General the General Assembly this morning. Assembly, on the proposal of the Secretary-General, re-elected Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres as I would like to end by quoting a short text by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for Reinhold Niebuhr that was cherished by both Mårten a period of five years beginning on 15 June 2010 and and Maine. ending on 14 June 2015. “Nothing worth doing is completed in our Members will recall that by paragraph 9 of lifetime; therefore we are saved by hope. Nothing resolution 58/153, of 22 December 2003, the General true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in Assembly decided to remove the temporal limitation on any immediate context of history; therefore we are the continuation of the Office of the High Commissioner saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, set out in 57/186 and to continue the Office until the can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved refugee problem is solved. by love.” In his note contained in document A/69/721, the Agenda item 136 (continued) Secretary-General proposes to the General Assembly that the term of office of Mr. Guterres be further Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the extended for a period beginning on 15 June 2015 and expenses of the United Nations (A/69/722/Add.1, ending on 31 December 2015. A/69/722/Add.2, A/69/722/Add.3 and A/69/722/Add.4) May I take it that the General Assembly decides The Acting President: Before we proceed, in to re-elect Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres keeping with established practice, I would like to draw as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees the attention of the General Assembly to documents for a period beginning on 15 June 2015 and ending on A/69/722/Add.1, A/69/722/Add.2, A/69/722/Add.3 31 December 2015? and A/69/722/Add.4, in which the Secretary-General informs the President of the Assembly that since the It was so decided. issuance of his communication contained in document The Acting President: On behalf of the Assembly, A/69/722, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Rwanda and the former I would like to congratulate Mr. Guterres on his Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have made the re-election as United Nations High Commissioner for payments necessary to reduce their arrears below the Refugees. amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter of the United Nations. Mr. Çevik (): Turkey welcomes and supports the Secretary-General’s proposal to extend the term of May I take it that the General Assembly takes due office of Mr. António Guterres, United Nations High note of the information contained in these documents? Commissioner for Refugees, until 31 December 2015. It was so decided. Since the number of people who have been displaced by force has now exceeded the numbers of those displaced

15-02818 13/15 A/69/PV.79 02/02/2015 during the Second World War, we have been collectively could be extended for six and a half months. Given compelled to take urgent action to address the needs the seriousness of the current state of the emergency of displaced persons. In that regard, under the able humanitarian response, and considering that UNHCR’s leadership of High Commissioner Guterres, the Office programme management and financial reporting of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees requirements revolve around the calendar year, we are (UNHCR) fills a central role in delivering assistance confident that this extension of Mr. Guterres’s term is and providing guidance on how to address the needs of crucial to the smooth running of UNHCR, and we wish asylum-seekers, refugees and internally displaced and him continued success in carrying out his important stateless persons. duties. Unfortunately, thanks to the forced displacements Mr. Moura (Portugal): We welcome the extension resulting from the tragedies in Syria and Iraq that of the term of office of the United Nations High are unfolding right across our borders, Turkey has Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. António Guterres. The become the country hosting the second-largest number Secretary-General’s proposal constitutes recognition of of displaced people in the world. In response to the the merit of Mr. Guterres in dealing with an issue of ongoing crisis in the region, we have taken important extreme importance and one that Portugal considers steps to ensure assistance, protection and durable vital. We believe that his substantial knowledge, solutions for the displaced people to whom we have capacity and experience will be crucial to ensuring the opened our doors. We commend the work of UNHCR, success of the actions taken in this challenging position. including its office in Turkey, in responding to the Portugal greatly appreciates and is grateful for the protection and assistance needs of refugees and other wide support of all Member States for Mr. Guterres’s persons of concern in Turkey and beyond its borders. good work, evident in today’s election by acclamation As we have stressed in multiple forums, including in the General Assembly, as well as in the previous the United Nations, Turkey expects the international endorsement of all regional groups of the extension of community to help to shoulder this noble responsibility his mandate, as proposed by the Secretary-General. We through a genuine sharing of the burden in an equitable thank them and wish Mr. Guterres well. and meaningful way. The Acting President: We have heard the last As we prepare and expand our deliberations for speaker on this item. May I take it that it is the wish of the World Humanitarian Summit scheduled to take the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of place in Istanbul in 2016, Member States, donors and sub-item (d) of agenda item 112? host countries alike, as well as non-governmental It was so decided. organizations and international entities, including UNHCR, have an important role to play in shaping Agenda item 113 (continued) the future of humanitarian assistance. We would like to wish High Commissioner Guterres success in his Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs very challenging duties during his remaining time at and other appointments the helm of UNHCR, and to reiterate our support for (f) Appointment of members of the Committee its work. on Conferences Mr. Oh Joon (Republic of Korea): On behalf of the Note by the Secretary-General (A/69/107) Republic of Korea, I would like to welcome the General Assembly’s decision to extend the term of office of The Acting President: Members will recall that, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, at its 64th plenary meeting, on 5 December 2014, Mr. António Guterres, until 31 December 2015. the Assembly took note of the appointments of the Central African Republic, Namibia, Paraguay and the My delegation is pleased with the decision, since Russian Federation as members of the Committee on the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea Conferences for a period of three years, beginning on in Geneva, in his capacity as Chair of the Executive 1 January 2015. Committee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), was the first to Members will also recall that two seats from Asia- draw the issue to the attention of the General Assembly Pacific States and one seat from Western European and the Secretary-General so that Mr. Guterres’s term and other States, for a period beginning on the date of

14/15 15-02818 02/02/2015 A/69/PV.79 appointment and ending on 31 December 2017, remain It was so decided. vacant. The Acting President: Regarding the two On the recommendation of the Chair of the remaining vacant seats from the Asia-Pacific States, I Western European and other States, the President urge the group to submit their candidatures as soon as of the General Assembly has appointed as a possible. member of the Committee on Conferences for a term The General Assembly has thus concluded this of office beginning on 2 February 2015 and ending on stage of its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 31 December 2017. 113. May I take it that the Assembly takes note of this The meeting rose at 11.50 a.m. appointment?

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